1 Corinthians Chapter 5 Commentary for Women

April 30, 2026

1 Corinthians Chapter 5 Commentary for Women

Theme: Purity in the Body of Christ & the Distinct Calling of the Church, the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 5 is one of the most sobering chapters in Paul’s letters. It deals with sin inside the assembly—not to shame, but to protect, restore, and preserve the testimony of Christ. From a Mid‑Acts grace perspective, this chapter highlights the unique identity of the Body of Christ and the responsibility believers have to walk in accordance with the grace they’ve received.

1. “It is reported commonly…” (v.1)

Paul confronts a situation of open immorality—“such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles.”

The issue is not only the sin itself, but that the church tolerated it.

Mid‑Acts insight:

Paul is not giving Israel’s law or kingdom discipline. He is addressing the Body of Christ—people saved by grace, called to walk in newness of life. Grace does not excuse sin; grace empowers holiness.

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1. “Ye are puffed up…” (v.2)

Instead of mourning, the Corinthians were proud—likely boasting in their tolerance or spiritual “maturity.”

Paul teaches that grace never celebrates sin. Grace mourns what destroys people.

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1. “I… have judged already…” (v.3)

Paul, as the apostle of the Gentiles, exercises spiritual authority.

This is not condemnation but protective correction.

Mid‑Acts note:

This judgment is not about salvation. The man is still a member of the Body of Christ. The issue is fellowship and testimony, not eternal destiny.

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4–5. “Deliver such an one unto Satan…”

This phrase can sound frightening, but Paul’s intent is restorative.

• “For the destruction of the flesh” — consequences that bring the person to repentance

• “That the spirit may be saved” — his salvation is secure in Christ

This is discipline for the believer’s good, not punishment for their ruin.

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6–7. “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

Leaven represents influence.

Unchecked sin spreads—quietly, subtly, and destructively.

Paul calls the church to “purge out the old leaven,” not by law-keeping, but by remembering “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”

Mid‑Acts emphasis:

Our identity in Christ is the motivation for purity.

We remove leaven because we already are unleavened in Him.

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1. “Let us keep the feast…”

Not the literal Jewish feast, but the spiritual reality:

• sincerity

• truth

• purity of heart

This is the life of grace.

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9–11. “Not to company with fornicators…”

Paul clarifies:

He does not mean avoiding unbelievers.

He means not endorsing or normalizing unrepentant sin among believers.

This protects the church’s testimony and the believer’s restoration.

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12–13. “Do not ye judge them that are within?”

Paul distinguishes between:

• those within (believers—where accountability exists)

• those without (unbelievers—God judges them)

The church is not called to police the world.

We are called to walk in holiness as Christ’s Body.

“Put away from among yourselves that wicked person” is not rejection—it is a boundary meant to bring healing.

✧ Summary

1 Corinthians 5 teaches that:

• Grace is not permissive; it is transformative.

• The Body of Christ is called to purity because of who we already are in Christ.

• Discipline is restorative, not punitive.

• The church must maintain boundaries that protect spiritual health.

• God handles the world; believers handle their own walk and fellowship.

This chapter is not about shame—it is about love that protects, grace that restores, and identity that calls us higher.

✧ A Bible Study Plan for Studying 1st Corinthians Ch 5

1. Read 1 Corinthians 5 slowly in the KJB.

Underline phrases like “puffed up,” “leaven,” and “Christ our passover.”

1. Reflect

Consider:

• What does this chapter reveal about the seriousness of sin?

• How does grace motivate holiness differently than law?

• What does “a little leaven” look like in your own life—habits, thoughts, influences?

1. Respond

Write a short prayer and ask the Lord to help you walk in sincerity and truth.

Invite Him to show you any “leaven” that needs to be removed.

✧ Journaling Prompts

1. “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”

How does remembering Christ’s sacrifice change the way you view holiness, boundaries, and purity in your daily life?

1. “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

What small influences, habits, or attitudes might be quietly shaping your spiritual life?

What would it look like to “purge out” the old leaven with grace, not guilt?

✧ Prayer

Father, thank You for the grace that saves, restores, and transforms. Help me walk in sincerity and truth, remembering that Christ my Passover has already made me clean. Give me wisdom to recognize anything in my life that does not reflect who I am in Him. Strengthen me to choose purity, not from fear, but from love and identity. Guard my heart, guide my steps, and let Your grace shape every part of my life. In Christ Jesus, amen.